Democratic Senate candidates have same values

Chris McKenna Times Herald-Record @ChrisMcKenna845

Wednesday

Sep 5, 2018 at 7:58 PMSep 5, 2018 at 9:33 PM

MIDDLETOWN — Both have been active on energy issues and want to wean the state off fossil fuel. Both deplore corruption in Albany and have ideas about how to curb it. Both support single-payer health care and would vote for legislation to implement it in New York.

Democratic Senate candidates Pramilla Malick and Jen Metzger had few policy disagreements during a debate Wednesday before the Times Herald-Record editorial board, ticking off shared concerns about combating opioid abuse and bolstering funding for public schools. Instead, they accentuated differences in their backgrounds, approaches and campaigns as they prepare for their Sept. 13 primary for the 42nd Senate District.

Metzger, who's serving her fifth year as a Rosendale councilwoman and was deputy town supervisor for three years before that, stressed her local government experience, involvement in a wide range of issues and achievements as co-founder and director of the nonprofit Citizens for Local Power. She also touted a broad base of support, including local Democratic committees and labor unions, and nearly 600 volunteers who she said would help her win in November.

"I have a record of getting things done, working with people of different perspectives," Metzger said. "I believe this is the kind of experience we need in Albany."

Malick, who leads the citizens group Protect Orange County and fought to stop the $900 million power plant that Competitive Power Ventures has built in Wawayanda, emphasized her seven years of environmental activism, political independence and willingness to challenge Sen. John Bonacic - the retiring Republican they both hope to succeed - when no other Democrat would in 2016.

"Both major parties have been overtaken by big money and special interests," Malick said. "We the people need to take control over the steering wheel before it's too late for our children, and indeed for all life."

The primary winner will face Republican Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt in the Nov. 6 general election. The 42nd District takes in parts of Orange, Ulster and Delaware counties and all of Sullivan County. But both Democrats also have at least the possibility of remaining in the race through third-party or independent ballot lines, and thereby helping Rabbitt by siphoning Democratic votes.

Asked about that prospect on Wednesday, Metzger pointed out that state law wouldn't allow her to withdraw from her Working Families Party and Women's Equality Party ballot lines if she were to lose the Democratic primary. But she proposed the two Democrats hold a "unity rally" after the vote and pledged to support Malick if she wins, making clear to her own supporters that they shouldn't vote for her on a third-party line.

"We are not enemies," Metzger said later in her closing statement. "We are fighting for the same values and for the same future. And there is so much at stake in November."

Malick has petitioned to run on an independent line called the "Stop Corruption Party," which state law would let her drop if she loses the Democratic primary. She agreed to do so on Wednesday if Metzger wins and "if Jen makes commitments that make sure that our community gets justice," which she didn't specify. She also called on Metzger's campaign to stop challenging the validity of her independent petition, which she said she would need to help her in November if she wins the Democratic primary.

Malick also petitioned to force a write-in primary next week to challenge Rabbitt for the Reform Party line.

cmckenna@th-record.com

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